The UK regulator plans to facilitate the sharing of the 8GHz and 26GHz bands.
Background: Ofcom has worked to facilitate spectrum sharing in the UK since 2015, when it published its “A framework for spectrum sharing” and signalled the 3.8–4.2GHz band would be the first opportunity to use the framework. Since then, Ofcom considers sharing options systematically when defining authorisations in any band, looking at: potential barriers to sharing, tools and enablers to facilitate it, and a set of high level characteristics of use.
New bands for sharing: Today, Ofcom is making sharing arrangements for 168MHz in the 8GHz band, and for 2.25GHz in the 26GHz band. In the former, arrangements will protect Ministry Of Defence users whilst making spectrum available to others. This should help to meet demand for fixed wireless links to support a range of services, including: broadcast infrastructure, backhaul for fixed and mobile networks, and low-latency infrastructure for specialist applications. In the 26GHz band, Ofcom aims to support 5G indoor applications, sharing access with the existing fixed-wireless services and satellite earth stations.
Next steps: In the 8GHz band, Ofcom looks to make the spectrum available as quickly as possible and will provide guidance on how to apply for access to the band on a first come, first served basis and details on the licence terms in due course. In the 26GHz band, Ofcom will provide further details in a statement on “Enabling Opportunities for Innovation”, to be published in the next few months.
